Guy Hepner Gallery

Damien Hirst Sanctum: Altar For Sale

Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst - Sanctum: Altar, 2009, Etching

Sanctum: Altar, 2009

Etching

46 5/8 x 45 1/2 in 118.4 x 115.6 cm

Edition

Edition of 59

About this work

Altar is a signed etching from Damien Hirst’s 2009 Sanctum series that shows an array of butterfly wings arranged in an intricate kaleidoscopic pattern. Depicted in shades of yellow, pink, red, and turquoise, this print is perfectly symmetrical and made up of concentric circles.At the heart of Altar lies a symphony of colors, with each butterfly wing contributing to the mesmerizing kaleidoscopic effect. The concentric circles within the print add to its hypnotic allure, inviting viewers to get lost in the intricate details. Hirst's meticulous arrangement of the wings creates a sense of movement and dynamism within the static medium of etching, as if the butterflies are in perpetual motion.Drawing inspiration from Gothic stained glass windows and mandalas, Altar is a visual feast that resonates with deeper symbolism. The colors used—yellow, pink, red, and turquoise—evoke a sense of vitality and vibrancy, while the symmetry of the composition hints at a deeper order in the universe. This print from the Sanctum series not only showcases Hirst's technical prowess but also invites contemplation on themes of beauty, spirituality, and the ephemeral nature of life.Altar stands as a testament to Hirst's mastery in transforming the delicate wings of butterflies into a captivating work of art. Through the kaleidoscopic patterns and vibrant colors, viewers are transported into a realm where the beauty of nature converges with the artist's profound exploration of existence. As one gazes upon Altar, they are invited to ponder the intricate tapestry of life, death, and the eternal cycle of renewal that echoes through the ages.

Price on Application

Edition & Provenance

Year
2009
Medium
Etching
Edition
Edition of 59

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Sanctum: Altar

About Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst prints for sale at Guy Hepner include works from the Spot Paintings, Butterfly editions, Beautiful prints, and Pharmaceutical series. Damien Hirst art for sale and Damien Hirst original art for sale through our New York gallery are sourced from authenticated secondary market collections. We also advise collectors looking to sell Damien Hirst prints — free valuations available.

Damien Hirst is the defining figure of the Young British Artists movement and one of the most collected living artists in the world. His work spans Natural History sculptures, Spot Paintings, Butterfly Works, Spin Paintings, and pharmaceutical installations ? series that have set auction benchmarks at Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips across four decades. Collections at Tate Modern, MoMA, and the Guggenheim confirm his standing as one of the essential artists of his generation.

His single-artist auction "Beautiful Inside My Head Forever" generated $198 million at Sotheby's in 2008, a record that remains one of the most significant events in the contemporary art market. Major works including the Lullaby series of medicine cabinets and the Natural History formaldehyde sculptures have each achieved prices above $10 million, while his Spot Paintings and print editions sustain deep, global secondary market activity across all price points.

Guy Hepner Gallery has deep expertise across Damien Hirst's print editions, Spot Paintings, and Butterfly Works, offering acquisition guidance, market valuations, and direct access to available works. Whether you are building a collection or looking to sell, the gallery provides trusted, confidential support for one of the most actively traded names in contemporary art.

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